Perfume I Love: Chanel

Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel in 1883, revolutionized the world of fashion with her visionary elegance and minimalist aesthetic. From humble beginnings, she emerged as a pioneering force, challenging traditional norms and introducing timeless classics. Chanel’s innovative designs, like the little black dress and the iconic Chanel suit, transcended eras. Her eponymous brand, founded in 1910, became synonymous with sophistication and chic simplicity. Beyond fashion, Chanel was a trailblazer for women, embracing independence and modernity. Her legacy endures as an influential figure who reshaped the fashion landscape, leaving an indelible mark on style and empowering generations of women. She is an icon as are her fragrances.

Chanel No. 5, an iconic fragrance, is a timeless olfactory masterpiece that epitomizes elegance and sophistication. In 1921, Gabrielle Chanel asked perfumer Ernest Beaux to create “a woman’s perfume, with a woman’s scent.” He presented her with a visionary composition that made unprecedented use of aldehydes. Miss Chanel chose the fifth sample and decided to name it simply N°5. She selected a bottle with a revolutionary design, adorned with a white label and topped with a faceted cabochon.

Its composition is a complex blend of floral and aldehyde notes. The scent opens with top notes of citrus and neroli, followed by a bouquet of jasmine, rose, and ylang-ylang at its heart. Base notes of vetiver and sandalwood provide depth and longevity.

Today, Chanel No. 5 is often described as an old lady's frangrance, but when worn correctly, the fragrance beomes luxurious, with a soft and powdery allure that is sexy and provocative.  It must be worn on pulse points and left for a time--an hour or more--to develop with the wearer's unique chemistry.  Chanel No. 5 is renowned for evoking a sense of femininity and allure.    Its enduring popularity cements it as a symbol of refined taste and enduring glamour.

Chanel Chance perfume, a modern olfactory marvel, radiates a vibrant and youthful spirit. Introduced in 2003, it's a fresh, floral fragrance that captivates with its dynamic and unpredictable character. The scent opens with zesty notes of citrus and hyacinth, leading into a heart of jasmine and pink pepper, creating a harmonious balance between freshness and warmth. The base notes of vetiver, amber, and patchouli lend a subtle sensuality. Chanel Chance is a lively, versatile fragrance that embodies spontaneity and the thrill of embracing serendipitous moments, making it a favorite among those seeking a contemporary and playful signature scent.


Chanel No. 19, a fragrance introduced in 1971, is a sophisticated and assertive olfactory expression. Named after Coco Chanel's birthdate (August 19), it embodies her avant-garde spirit. The scent features a dynamic interplay of green notes, including galbanum and iris, creating a crisp and elegant allure. With a floral heart of iris, jasmine, and rose, it strikes a harmonious balance between boldness and grace. The base notes of vetiver, leather, and oakmoss add depth and longevity. Chanel No. 19 is a captivating and timeless fragrance that captures the essence of modern femininity with a hint of rebellious refinement.

Perfume I Love Best

Aromas of significant life events become imprinted in our minds. Whether it’s the fragrance of a childhood home, the scent of a loved one’s perfume, or the aroma of a particular place become embedded in our memory. When we encounter the same scent later in life, it rekindles memories with striking clarity and often a strong emotional charge, allowing us to relive past experiences and feel a deep sense of nostalgia.

Anyone who has been in my bedroom and has seen all the perfume bottles on my dresser knows how much I love perfume.  The various scents that have punctuated my life evoke memories both happy and sad, recent and long past.  This morning, when I opened my front door, the cool, foggy autumn air, redolent of fallen leaves, reminded me of walking to school so very long ago.
 
Indeed, smell and memory are intertwined.  Aromas of significant life events become imprinted in our minds. Whether it's the fragrance of a childhood home, the scent of a loved one's perfume, or the aroma of a particular place become embedded in our memory. When we encounter the same scent later in life, it rekindles memories with striking clarity and often a strong emotional charge, allowing us to relive past experiences and feel a deep sense of nostalgia. 

Below, I have reviewed some of my favorite frangrances from Lancome's TRÉSOR collection, all rosey and redolent of pheromones.  

Lancome's TRÉSOR is a romantic and elegant fragrance with a big, juicy notes of rose, lilac and apricot blossoms.  TRÉSOR evokes a feeling of radiance and beauty while evoking the emotion of love and moments. The elegance of rose, mugent and lilac and the sparkle of peach and apricot blossom are just a few notes that define this luminous fragrance. A delicate and light fragrance with a romantic and smooth touch. 

TRÉSOR was my signature scent in the 90s.  I remember buying a bottle while I lived in Paris.  It is a sexy and youthful scent that I continue to wear.  

Lancome's La Vie Est Belle is a succulent epicure's delight of floral and feminine fragrance notes of iris and patchouli layered alongside spun sugar and sensual warm vanilla. The scented body lotion is a luxurious moisturizing lotion that offers the unique experience of La vie est belle. Skin is instantly smoothed and illuminated to its most beautiful self.

This scent is the one that features Julia Roberts in the advertisements.  It is very popular and a good choice as a gift.  

Lancôme's Trésor Midnight Rose is a mischevous take on Trésor, adding raspberry, vanilla and musk notes to elevate the allure of this big, rosey fragrance.  It is hard to resist this sexy-sweet blend femininity that says, "Catch my heart if you can!"

This would be my signature scent now, but my neighbor smelled it on me and high-jacked it as her own.  I have to wait until she is not around or abandons it--soon I hope!